Timmermans summons Sudanese ambassador following death sentence

Minister of Foreign Affairs Frans Timmermans has summoned the Sudanese ambassador to express his concern about the death sentence imposed on Mariam Yahya Ibrahim.

A court in Sudan handed down the death sentence because of Ms Yahya Ibrahim’s refusal to renounce her Christian faith. Ms Yahya Ibrahim converted to Christianity from Islam before her marriage.

‘Freedom of religion and belief is a universal human right,’ said Mr Timmermans. ‘Sudan is a signatory to UN treaties that enshrine this right. Its own constitution does as well.’ Mr Timmermans expressed his shock at the court judgment, adding: ‘I call on the Sudanese government to fulfil its responsibility and comply with its international obligations’.